• Berwick Gazette
• Pakenham Gazette

By Melissa Grant

17th June 2009 02:00:41 AM

Traders in Garfield say the township has plenty to offer. 32247 Picture: Meagan Rogers

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WE’RE still alive.

That’s the message Garfield traders are sending to the community, hitting back at claims the railway-side township has become a ghost town.

However, they agree there is some work that needs to be done to make the town the best it can be.

Proper road signage to let people know they are there is one such need.

Last week, Henny Blair of Knot Just Wooden Toys said poor signage on the Princes Highway meant few people knew the town even existed.

She said Garfield had become a ghost town and called for something to be done to put the township back on the map as she prepared to close her business.

Other traders, including Garfield Country Style Meats owner John Preston, say business is going well.

“Garfield is alive and well with 17 retail shops and over 200 businesses working out of Garfield,” he said.

But traders agree that better signage would help their cause.

Geoff Hudson of Dancing Horse, which sells exclusive equine goods, said customers across Victoria shopped at the store but many had trouble finding it.

“There’s no decent signage to direct people to the town,” he said.

“All the other towns have signage.”

Traders say the town’s easy parking, proximity to the train line, essential services and boutique businesses could help it develop into a little Yarragon.

The town is also home to an award-winning bakery and post office, while a doctor surgery has just opened at the town chemist.

Garfield identity Chris Soumilas said traders and residents were currently involved in a Garfield 2020 project, preparing and instigating strategies to cater for the future expansion of Garfield.

Mr Preston said traders had been pushing for the 2020 project for two years. He said they were hopeful it would enable them to have a larger kindergarten and primary school with a library. In the meantime, Mr Preston urged shoppers to support Garfield traders.“Come and have a look at our great little town,” he said.

“To our Garfield residents we ask that you shop locally wherever possible. “Local dollars will ensure a local shopping centre,” he said.

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